Joshua 5:15

Authorized King James Version

And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמֶר֩
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
שַׂר
And the captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
צְבָ֨א
host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#4
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#7
שַׁל
Loose
to pluck off, i.e., divest, eject or drop
#8
נַֽעַלְךָ֙
thy shoe
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
#9
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
רַגְלֶ֔ךָ
from off thy foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#11
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
הַמָּק֗וֹם
for the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אַתָּ֛ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
עֹמֵ֥ד
whereon thou standest
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#16
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
is holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#18
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#19
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#20
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#21
כֵּֽן׃
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources